Cumberland's Entertainment Destination!

Monthly Archives: October 2014

Marvel may have the theaters in their pockets, but DC is trying to take the living room by storm. This review is over the premiere episodes of each of the three new shows being put out by DC this Fall season.

FOX Monday 9/8c

Plot

★★1/2

The weakest part of the show. Lots of room for improvement and it has gotten better in more recent episodes, but from the premiere alone it is a weak start.

Characters

★★★

The show may sell itself as a Bruce Wayne/Batman-less Gotham that is seething with corruption which is true. What is does not sell is the much more interesting aspect of seeing Bruce slowly killing is childhood innocence and becoming the brooding Dark Knight we all know and love. These scenes are usually brief and concise but could make the show worth it in the long run.

Visuals

★★1/2

Marginally average in the modern age of TV. Nothing spectacular, besides the occasional mix of 1940’s atmosphere with modern devices. Nothing clicks in terms of the overall impression besides “gritty”.

The main cast of Gotham with Ben McKenzie as Gordon and Donal Logue as Bullock in the lead.

Overall

Fox’s take on the iconic city of Gotham before the rise of Batman definitely has room to improve, but could pan out to be a interesting show so be sure to keep an eye on it. The premiere is a bit weak but it does pick up and hopefully will continue the trend. EAO gives Gotham’s premiere 2 1/2 detectives out of 5.

CW Tuesday 8/7c

Plot

★★★★

Coming from the high of the first two seasons of Arrow, the Flash was doing better than most of this season’s premieres before it even aired. The hype did not hinder the plot as it is not afraid to show superpowers or full body suits; something most shows get heckled off TV for doing.

Characters

★★★★

Again, a pretty solid display from Barry and the gang. In classic comic book fashion, some characters can be a bit bland or static, but the overlap to Arrow gives a larger chance to flesh out characters as well as the universe they live in. The potential for improvement as both shows continue is massive.

Visuals

★★★★

Yes, the Flash is probably the most likely of superheroes to have a legitimate reason to need a special suit, but the way it looks is where it stands above the rest. It isn’t cheesy, it looks better than velvet, and is accurate. A difficult trifecta for produces to wrap their heads around. Not to mention the visual difference of filming between Arrow and the Flash makes it feel different enough for it’s brighter world view, but still connected.

Grant Gustin decked out in costume as the Flash.

Overall

The Flash is an easy and obvious favorite in the DC shows coming out this season. The only thing to worry is if they can keep the winning streak rolling. EAO gives the Flash’s premiere 4 lighting bolts out of 5.

NBC Friday 10/9c

Plot

★★★

Overwhelmingly solid, yet a bit rough on the edges. If you’ve seen the first couple of seasons of Supernatural, then you have a good idea of how Constantine is going to play out. Not to say the plot episode and monster-of-the-week episodes pace of Supernatural is a bad way to do things, but it lacks the originality to push the score up higher.

Characters

★★★★

An excellent display of an antihero practicing good the only way he knows how. The biggest downside is the character made to experience the world along with the viewers. She is flat and dull, but hopefully (no spoilers) it can improve.

Visuals

★★★★

Matt Ryan is John Constantine. No question, one of the best casted character in all of the comic book movies and TV shows. In contrast to Supernatural, the glyphs and symbols used in Constantine are much cleaner and precise. It may be a bit less practical, but as a designer it is pleasing to look at.

Matt Ryan as John Constantine in what could be a comic book cover.

Overall

A very promising show showcasing the paranormal side of the DC universe. We can only hope that Ryan reprises his role in the Justice League Dark movie (supposedly) in the works. EAO gives Constantine’s premiere 4 cigarettes out of 5.

The takeaway from this is enjoy the DC limelight while you can. Marvel may dominate three times a year, but DC will be in you living room more than three times every week.